How to Find Hotels in Punta Cana Dominican Republic

Punta Cana is the primary resort destination in the Dominican Republic, located on the eastern side of this Caribbean nation. Here, you will find all-inclusive retreats lining white-sand beaches leading to turquoise waters. Tourists from all over the world flock here during winter to enjoy the tropical climate, friendly people and world-renowned service. Outside of the resort area, Punta Cana is fairly deserted and rural, but offers some great adventure tours.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Passport
• Computer with Internet access for making reservations

Get to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

1. Fly into Punta Cana International Airport for service directly to this location.
2. Take a free shuttle ride to and from your resort hotel. Most offer complimentary bus service via the airport.
3. Take a gwa-gwa, or local bus, to Higuey or Bavaro for a taste of local life away from the noise of the resorts.

Choose your Accommodations in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

4. Know that there are many luxury resorts to choose from here, and that rates will cost you several hundred dollars a night at the 5-star accommodations.
5. Look for beachside resorts in Playa Bavaro, where nightly rates begin around $150 and run up to more than $300. If the location begins with the word 'Playa,' that means it is located on (or very near) a beach.
6. Expect high-quality service. This is true even for moderately priced resort accommodations in the inland area of Higuey, as well as other areas where rates go for much less than $200 a night.

Find Things to Do in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

7. Enjoy world-class golfing at one of the many courses in Punta Cana.
8. Discover horseback riding, scuba diving and hiking activities in and around the resort sections of this coastal city.
9. To book accommodations in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, call Ministry of Tourism at [phone] or visit the link below.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid costly airport taxis when possible.
• Realize that the price of the all-inclusive resorts here means that you don't have to pay for food and drink (except alcohol) and that many activities and services are pre-paid.
• Know that resorts here charge a 16 percent gratuity as well as a 10 percent Dominican Republic tax on food and services.
• Drink only bottled water, even while at the resorts.
• Be sure to pack bug spray--the night mosquitoes here can be harsh.
• Keep in mind that food here is not held to an American standard, so avoid food that has been sitting out.
• Make sure to convert only the money you need to use. It is very difficult to get US dollars back from Dominican Pesos (the local currency).